House on the Water is a sculpted oasis, designed for an overseas couple who adore the landscape and culture of South Africa.Located on what was a disjointed site requiringmaximum sunlight from the north, andviews of the Simonsig Mountains from the south, Studio BHD used angular planes and landscaping pockets to create intimate spaces that simultaneously bring the outside views in. Prioritising the golfing holiday home’s function for relaxation, the home is centred around connection with people and the immediate surroundings – soothing waters and serene mountains surrounding the Val de Vie Estate.
This waterside home blends passive indoor and outdoor living, merging with the organic world and inviting inhabitants to live more naturally. To this degree, architect Bryce Henderson consciously sourced local, sustainable materials such as Malmesbury shale, timber, and exposed aggregate.
Drawing inspiration from Cape Dutch architecture, the footprintof the building is an interpretation of the traditional H-shaped layout. Fusing this with modern architecture augments the home’s relationship to landscaping features and views. Glass passages filter light and greenery entering the building. The interior palette remains fidel to these natural tones, incorporating linens, green hues, travertine finishes, and warm timber accents. In the living area, this continues with the organic materialities of the fireplace and custom dining table. Complementing natural touches, the composition creates an intuitive flow from room to room as the living space branches off into the kitchen spilling onto the sunny courtyard, an ideal area to enjoy breakfast or coffee.
MEET THE TEAM: Architect & Interior Designer: Studio BHD | Landscaping: Oasis Design | Contractor: Vision Homes | Joinery: Greenway
Flexible indoor-outdoor living
While the double-volume living area promotes openness, angular planes shelter intimate courtyards and conversational nooks. At the entrance already, slanted slopes create privacy from the neighbours: wedged between a solid mass of a protruding concrete wall and a heavy stone wall suspended over the landscape, this unique entry point signals the departure from the public world into a more intimate space. The bedroom wing balances openness and intimacy; each room is uniquely placed to access uninterrupted mountain views. The modular composition of the lounge combines angular planes with double-volume height and transparent inserts, creating flexibility between retreating into the quiet, secure centre of the building or reaching out towards the water and mountains.
SUPPLIERS: Aluminium doors and windows: Neo Aluminium | Pool: Ridds Aqua Centre | Couch: Wunders | Bathroom tiles: Decobella | Wooden flooring: Oggie Hardwood Flooring | Tiles: WOMAG | Kitchen slab: Studio Masson
